Jharsuguda bypoll: BJP alleges ‘goondaism’ by BJD, seeks intervention of CEO

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday lodged a complaint with the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Odisha alleging violent tactics adopted by the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) members to stop the saffron party from campaigning in Jharsuguda.

The BJP alleged that the BJD is trying to win the Jharsuguda bypoll with violence.

The campaign vehicle of the BJP was allegedly ransacked at Mangalabazaar in Jharsuguda on Sunday. As per the allegations, the BJD workers were behind the attack and also abused and thrashed the BJP members campaigning for their candidate, Tankadhar Tripathy.

Speaking on the matter, BJP spokesperson, Dilip Mallik said, “Our vehicles used in election campaigning were stopped and ransacked, our workers were heckled and abused by the BJD goondas. It is available on social media for all to see. We have already lodged complaints with the district SP and the local electoral officer, but no steps have been taken yet. So we have approached the CEO to intervene.”

“If these goons and anti-socials are not arrested now, they will pose a threat to a free and fair byelection in Jharsuguda,” he said.

No response has been received from the BJD on the allegations.

The voting for the Assembly Constituency will be held on May 10 and the counting of votes will be done on May 13.